Column: Sponsors halt Pennsylvania outdoors show

The Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show in Harrisburg, Pa. came to an abrupt halt just days before it was due to open Feb. 2. This annual nine-day show is the biggest and one of the oldest Outdoor Shows in the state, dating back to 1951. What brought on this real “show stopper”?

In the words of Reed Exhibitions, the event’s organizer, they decided to “limit the sale or display of” modern sporting rifles at this prestigious function. According to many of the affected sponsors and vendors at the show, it was actually a decision by Reed, a British company, to enact a “total ban of MSR’s and ammunition” at the event.

Many of the outdoor sponsors and individuals met with the organizers and attempted to persuade the company to lift the ban and reinstate the affected vendors. They were unsuccessful in their efforts. What happened next was something that seldom happens with the outdoor community. They actually stood up for what they believed in. In my opinion, it’s long overdue.

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